February 23, 2021
Dear Families:
The District was notified that a student-teacher at the high school and a student-athlete on the boys’ basketball team have each tested positive for COVID-19. Typically, both positive cases would be counted towards the rolling 14-day count; however, due to the school closure on Monday, February 22, and combined with the weekend which allowed for the implementation of the protocols for cleaning and contact tracing, we have ZERO active cases that count toward our 14-day rolling count. Furthermore, Indiana County is in the “moderate” phase. As such, the attestation does not apply to our case counts, but in order to ensure the highest levels of safety, we are adhering to the rubric as part of our Health and Safety Plan. Based on the information we have, it is safe for our schools to remain open.
Fortunately, the student-athlete did not physically attend any classes during the time that the student-athlete was contagious because of the hybrid schedule, and therefore, presented no direct exposure risk to any other students or staff during the school day. Unfortunately, we are required to quarantine all members of that team and the 3 members of the coaching staff who were present with the student-athlete during the time he was potentially contagious. All boys’ basketball activities are suspended until further notice. Mr. Lezanic has already been in contact with the opposing teams we played on Friday and Saturday evenings.
As a reminder, the 14-day clock starts at the onset of symptoms, not when the District is informed of the test results. In alignment with our Health and Safety Plan, as well as the attestation that the District signed, we are able to remain open. In this case, the snow day/school closure helped us in our ability to remain open.
As always, the number of confirmed cases can change at any time. As per the District’s Health and Safety Plan, we would close once we get between 2-4 cases. We understand the terrible inconvenience a closure causes our families; however, we have a responsibility to make you aware of the possibility. My goal is not to cause panic, rather it is to help make you aware of the current situation in case the District needs to make a change rather quickly.
Respectfully,
Mr. Michael J. Vuckovich
IASD Superintendent